Encomium
SEASONED Yoruba genre actor cum filmmaker, Yinka Quadri is back to school.
The Agba Akin of Oroland in Kwara State and Chairman of Odunfa Caucus of cerebral thespians told ENCOMIUM Weekly point blank in this interview that he had never thought of dumping acting for farming. He equally explained why he’s back to school at 55 and more.
We have it on good authority that you’re going back to school, to do what?
As a matter of fact, Yinka Quadri is going back to school to hone his skill in film production, particularly production design at Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago Iwoye, Ogun State. I have every reason to believe that it would better the lot of the industry and it would also adequately prepare me for my political ambition.
How does it feel?
I feel very elated and happy about it. At 55, I feel very excited going back to school.
When is the programme starting?
It will start in the first week of February 2015. It’s a 6-month programme.
You were recently on tour of U.S and the UK, what was your mission?
I went there to rub minds and brainstorm with Hollywood and Bollywood stars so as to tap new ideas to raise the ante at home. I strongly believe in innovation and with that you can measure up to international standard. This is our industry and we can’t allow it to die.
What is happening to Theatre and Motion Pictures Practitioners of Nigeria that seceded from Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (ANTP)?
We are cool and charting the way forward. Dele Odule is our President. I never vied for the presidency. I’ve even surrendered my ideas that can move the association forward to our president, Dele Odule. Initially, I intended to vie for Presidency of the association, this was jettisoned by the emergence of Dele Odule, who I so much love. We’re all one. Our main objective is to move the industry forward.
Have you dumped acting for farming as being speculated?
No, I have not dumped acting for farming. Some people love misinterpreting issues. My main aim of venturing into farming is to generate employment for the youth and contribute my little quota to the development of agriculture. Nevertheless, that can’t in any way affect my career as an actor and film maker. I’m still in the industry and will never jump boat.
-TADE ASIFAT
